Ireland to bid for 2017 Women’s World Cup

Women’s rugby World Cup coming to Ireland.?

The Irish Rugby Football Union has announced its bid to host the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The IRFU revealed its plans to host the pool stages of the tournament at University College Dublin before switching to Belfast for the semi-finals at Queens University Sport and the Kingspan Stadium, where the final would also be held.

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "Interest and participation in women's rugby continues to grow and building on this momentum we believe Ireland can deliver the best Women's Rugby World Cup to-date.

"We hope that the growing interest in women's rugby in Ireland, world leading facilities at UCD, Queens University Sport, Kingspan Stadium and our internationally recognised reputation for being one of the world's most welcoming nations will make an Irish bid the standout submission for the 2017 tournament."

IRFU Women's Rugby Ambassador Fiona Coghlan added: "The development and profile of women's sport has been fantastic in recent years and it will be a great opportunity for Ireland to showcase sport and to get more women and girls to consider taking up a team sport."